There are quite a few different methods out there for growing potatoes. With this blog post, I’d like to cover seven such methods. Each has their own drawback and benefits, so I’ll be sure to weigh in on those to help you make the right decision for your garden.

Method #1 – Hilled Rows

This method involves the digging of straight and shallow trenches roughly 3 feet apart in good soil. You’ll want to plant the potatoes one foot apart and cover them with about three inches of soil. As the potatoes begin to grow and reach a foot tall, scoop soil from in between the rows of potatoes and mound it up against each plant to bury the stems halfway. Make sure to repeat the mounding process throughout the growing season to ensure that the potato shoots are kept covered.

Pros: You won’t need to buy any containers to house this method. It is a tried and true method for growing potatoes, having been used by farmers for quite literally thousands of years.

Cons: Your yield will be limited by the quality of the soil you choose. You’ll also need to take extra care of the soil as I’ve described above.

Method #2 – Straw Mulch

Placing the potatoes in prepared soil, space them out roughly one foot apart. Next, cover the plants with loose, seedless straw. Continue to mound straw around the stem of each plant as they grow. You’ll eventually wind up with a foot-high layer.

Pros: The straw will conserve soil moisture and discourage weeds from growing by smothering them. This method also yields a harvest that requires no digging. You’ll also effectively rid yourself of the Colorado potato beetle, good news if that’s been an issue for you with past potato-growing attempts.

Cons: Some users of this method have reported that the yield is less for this method of growing than in the previous one. Field mice are also a common threat as they hide beneath the straw and eat the potatoes.

Method #3 – Raised Bed

For this method, you’ll want to loosen adequate soil in a half-filled raised bed. Plant each potato one foot apart from the others in all directions. Pay attention to the potatoes as they grow and keep adding soil until the bed is filled completely. You can remove the sides of the bed if you wish.

Pros: Users of this method have reported that it yields very highly and produces large, healthy potatoes. Raised beds are also a great form of gardening as they provide you greater control in situations where soil is heavy and has poor drainage.

Cons: This method requires quite a bit of soil.

Method #4 – Grow Bag

Grow bags are produced using a material called polypropylene. For this method, you’ll want to put several inches of soil and compost into the bottom of the bag, plant about 4 potatoes and cover the plant with 3 inches of soil. Keep adding soil as the potatoes grow until the bag is completely full. When harvest time comes, dump out the contents by turning the bag on its side.

Pros: Grow bags are flexible in that you can place them just about anywhere, even in places where soil is inferior. The bags are also durable, lasting several seasons. The traditionally dark colour of the bags are great for capturing solar heat, speeding growth.

Cons: The only major con for this method is that the bags are a bit pricey. Each one costs roughly $12.

Method #5 – Garbage Bag

So if grow bags are expensive, what’s an alternative that remains in the ‘bag’ category? Why, the trusty old garbage bag, of course.

Planting instructions are the same for the grow bag, only you’ll need to punch the drainage holes yourself. To get the bag to stay upright, roll the top edge of it. When harvest time comes, rip the bag to get the potatoes.

Pros: As with grow bags, you can use a garbage bag just about anywhere.

Cons: It does look a little tacky. Also, the yield reported with this method is not particularly grand.

Method #6 – Wooden Box

Build a bottomless box using wood – scrap wood from an old pallet is a good option. Plant the potatoes as you would for a raised bed. The box will allow you to add slats as the plants grow upwards, providing you flexibility.

Pros: The yield is high, similar to that of a raised bed.

Cons: Although the results are great, the time and effort that goes into this method might not make it worthy unless you like the look and can assemble the box quickly.

Method #7 – Wire

Using one quarter inch mesh, create an 18 inch (diameter) cylinder that is 24 inches tall. Place several inches of soil at the bottom of the tube and plant 3-4 potatoes in and cover with three inches of soil.

When harvest time comes, simply lift the cylinder.

Pros: The wire mesh, by design, provides great drainage.

Cons: This method does have the tendency to produce some undersized potatoes.

Jesse Hermanis a contributing staff writer for REALfarmacy.com. He writes and produces video at PowerfulPrimates.com. Jesse began his alternative health journey after chronic back pain and has not looked back since. Follow him on Youtube and Facebook (also more Facebook), broadcasting out of Brazil, Florida, and in a dark distant cave (with internet).